Modular and customizable process and system for capturing field documentation data in a complex project workflow system

Abstract

A modular data structure is provided for storing a compilation of actual data input to the complex workflow system via a field document. A standard data array module correlating to a standard data input interface of the field document is provided. The standard data input interface receives input of standard actual data to populate the standard data array module. An optional data array module correlating to a respective optional data input interface of the field document is also provided. The respective optional data input interface receives input of optional data to populate the optional data array module. The optional data array module and the correlative optional data input interface are added to the workflow process as a conjunct to the standard data array and correlative standard data input interface.

1. A processing system for managing actual data compiled in a field document, the actual data documenting the performance of at least one component of a complex project, the system providing a platform for a workflow process designed to facilitate the preparation for and performance of the complex project conducted between parties, the processing system comprising:
 a memory for storing a modular data array, the modular data array further comprising: 
 a standard data array module correlating to first, standard data input interface of the field document, the first standard data input interface being used for receiving input of standard actual data to populate the standard data array module; and 
 one or more optional data array module correlating to a second optional data input interface of the field document, the second optional data input interface being used for receiving input of optional data to populate the at least one optional data array module; wherein 
 one or more optional data array module and the correlative data input interface are added to the workflow process as a conjunct to the standard data array and correlative standard data input interface; 
 a processor controlling the first and second interfaces and the memory; 
 a communication network connecting the parties to the processing system; and 
 a third interface connected to the communication network for recording an action of at least one of the parties taken with respect to the field document. 
 
   
   
     2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actual data comprises an actual cost goods, services or both provided in the performance of at least one component of the complex project. 
   
   
     3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actual data comprises an actual accounting of goods, services, or both provided in the performance of the at least one component of the complex project. 
   
   
     4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actual data comprises a measurement of a technical specification defining the complex project. 
   
   
     5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the complex project is defined in terms of at least one parameter and the actual data comprises at least one measurement of the at least one parameter documenting the performance of the at least one component of the complex project. 
   
   
     6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein at least one parameter is selected from a group consisting of the following: physical, functional, temporal, financial, transactional, and geographical parameters, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
     7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication network is selected from a group consisting of the following: the Internet, an intranet, a cable network, a telephone network, a wireless network, a voice network, a frame-relay broadband network, a local area network, a wide area network, a public network, and a private network, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
     8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication network operates over at least one of the transmission mediums selected from a group consisting of the following: telephony, wireless telephony, digital subscriber line, two-way cable, fiber optic, radio, point-to-point microwave, and satellite, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
     9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the complex project further comprises one of a type selected from a group consisting of the following: oil and gas exploration and production, construction, manufacture of complex products, and provision of specialized services, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
     10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the interface means is selected from a group consisting of the following: a personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant device, and a wireless telephone, or combinations thereof.